Work gets in the way

Definitely a work day today so there won't be much to report. One of my other 'hobbies' is helping to coach young sprint athletes at Lee Valley Athletics Centre – my contribution to volunteering and Cameron's 'Big Society' (Am I the only one who really hates political branding?). These kids are mostly from single parent families around the Tottenham, Edmonton, Enfield areas and to see them grow both as athletes and human beings is what makes the effort worthwhile. So that's what I will be doing tonight rather than scrabbling about the bottom of the boat.

However I have ordered the protective bits and pieces from Screwfix and will be picking them up later. I have to say they have a great service – order on-line and collect from the local branch – and the range of products is impressive. I would think that barring the specialist chandlery stuff they have most of the tools and equipment that anyone would need to build or restore a boat and at reasonable prices.

I've also discovered that Travis Perkins stocks allegedly marine grade ply rated to BS1088 in a variety of thicknesses from 4 to 18mm. While it may not be totally suitable for hull construction I would think it will be OK for the interior work I have to do and there's a branch a couple of hundred yards from my office. Once I've decided what I need I'll drop in there to have a look at the quality of the sheets - I would at least like the top surface to look half decent without the use of stains.

One thing that is puzzling me is along the inside of the cabin wall, either side of the cabin opening where the seats finish, there is a thin layer of glass moulding that wraps upwards. It is as if it joined on to something like a wooden panel either side of the entrance. I've just had a look on the WWP-UK group site and there are some photos there of a Nova (Molly) that looks useful with ply panels either side of the cockpit entrance – but if anyone has some better photos of these that would be very useful. In fact if anyone has any good photos from the interior of their Potters, preferably Type C, D or a Nova I'd be very grateful.

Random piece of fibreglass left unattached - any ideas?

Lastly, having a relatively blank sheet inside I'm wondering if there isn't an opportunity to design something really interesting internally. As I suspect the chances of my better half spending a night aboard are minimal then building her with a single berth might be feasible. All suggestions will be gratefully received! I even wonder if it wouldn't be possible to have a folding bunk arrangement that would sit above the keel box to make a double? Then maybe I could persuade SWMBO to join me.